The family of a welder who died from chest complaints is calling for information from his former colleagues to find out more about his working environment.

Weston Bent, known as Roy to his workmates, lived with his wife Pamela in the Tong Street area of Bradford and was 65 when he died in November, 2012.

He died from pneumonia brought on by emphysema and chest problems.

Solicitors working on the case say medical experts only discovered during his last few days that his lung condition was caused by his work.

Mr Bent was too poorly to consider claiming compensation from his former employers before he died, but following his death his wife has decided to try to take forward the case of her late husband.

She has instructed Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim.

Mr Bent, who had three sons and three grandchildren, moved to the UK from Jamaica when he was 16. He trained as a welder and worked for a number of companies.

His wife is interested in hearing from anyone who worked with him while he was employed by Drum Engineering Company (now known as Gardner Denver Industries Limited) in Whitehall Road, Leeds, during the late 1970s and early 80s. The firm later moved to Birkenshaw.

She also wants to hear from anyone who worked with him at A Taylor based in Kirkstall Road, Leeds; Rowntrees in Halifax and Stockrail in Birstall during the 1980 and 1990s.

Mrs Bent said: “Weston always worked as a welder and he said it was an extremely dirty, unpleasant environment.

“It’s important for us to speak to anyone who worked with Weston so we can find out more about his working conditions.”

Marion Voss, of Thompsons Solicitors, said: “We would like to hear from his former work colleagues to help us build up an accurate picture of his working environment.”

Anyone who remembers working with Mr Bent or worked at Drum Engineering Company, A Taylor, Rowntrees or Stockrail in the 1970s or 1980s should contact Marion Voss by e-mail on marionvoss@thompsons.

law.co.uk or by phone on (0113) 205 6343.